Very Narrow Aisle Training

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VNA Training

Become Fully Licensed to Operate

At South Coast Forklift Training, our mission is to deliver top-notch operator-up very narrow aisle (VNA) training, producing highly skilled operators ready to apply their training in the workplace. We believe in challenging our trainees to bring out their best, and we achieve this by delivering our sessions in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Course Highlights:

Our courses include classroom-based theory lessons and practical sessions using the operator-up very narrow aisle lift truck. Following ITSSAR guidelines and the Health and Safety Commission’s Approved Code of Practice, we ensure employers meet their legal obligations to provide adequate training for all very narrow aisle (operator-up) truck users.

We use various techniques to cater to all learning preferences, including forklift models, videos, PowerPoint presentations, worksheets, and handouts. Theory work builds gradually, allowing time to absorb information before moving to the next stage. Practical lessons are demonstrated, and trainees are given ample time to practice under close supervision.

Why Choose Our Training?

We pride ourselves on our expert instructors and dedicated professionals with extensive experience. We offer flexible scheduling to fit your needs and provide certification recognised by employers upon successful completion.

Testing Stages:

  • Theory Test: 25 questions with an 80% pass rate.
  • Pre-use Inspection Test: Ensuring the truck is safe to use.
  • Practical Skills Test: A timed and scored test involving various manoeuvres that must be completed safely.

While the word “test” can be intimidating, we are here to guide trainees through each section with support and encouragement.

Licensed VNA Training
Jungheinrich VNA

The Very Narrow Aisle Lift Truck

Fast Stock Rotation

The very narrow aisle (operator-up) lift truck or forklift truck, often shortened to just VNA, is one of the most high-tech trucks you’ll find in a warehouse. This machine may be limited to palletised stock rotation, but they are incredible at this task.

These incredible machines can reach heights of up to nineteen meters, with the operator in the cab at this height. They are powered by AC motors that provide regenerative power during braking and lowering. Some models are free-roaming, while others are designed for narrow aisles with in-aisle guidance systems.

There are two main types of guidance systems:

  • Wire Guidance: Uses an inductive wire buried in the floor and sensors on the truck.
  • Mechanical (Rail) Guidance: Employs rollers on the side to guide the truck.

These systems eliminate the need for steering in stacking aisles. When engaged with these guidance systems, most trucks offer diagonal driving to reduce travel times and costs.
Extra functions include automated warehouse navigation, positioning aids, and cameras. Picking orders can be sent to the machine via a radio data signal.

Their rated capacity is around 1 - 1.6 tonnes.

In case of a malfunction at height, these trucks are equipped with emergency lowering systems, operated from ground level to bring the cab and operator back down. If lowering isn't possible and the operator needs to get down, a rope evacuation system is employed.

Operator comfort is a key design consideration. Since operators may spend entire shifts in the cab, trucks are equipped with overhead lighting, fans, height-adjustable controls, and various storage compartments to enhance comfort.

Safety is paramount. Presence actuators ensure that operators’ limbs remain inside the cab while the machine is in motion. In-aisle pedestrian detection systems automatically detect pedestrians and objects, alerting the operator.

The trucks are powered by lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries and are charged from a separate charging cabinet.

VNA TRAINING FROM A COMPANY THAT CARES


VNA (Operator Up) Course Specifications

VNA training
Very Narrow Aisle (Operator Up) Truck

Machine:
Very Narrow Aisle (Operator Up)

Category:
F1

Specification:
Operator-Up

Accrediting Body:
Independent Training Standards Scheme & Register (ITSSAR)

Maximum Ratio:
3 : 1 : 1 (3 operators, 1 instructor, 1 machine)

Duration:
Novice - 1 operator = 3 days, 2 operators = 4 days, 3 operators = 5 days
Experienced - 1 operator = 2 days, 2 operators = 2 days, 3 operators = 3 days
Safety Refresher - 1 operator = 1 day, 2 operators = 1 day, 3 operators = 1 day
Conversion - contact us

Cost:
Contact us

COURSES DESIGNED TO DELIVER RESULTS


VNA Course Breakdown

The following list is the elements that make up a novice very narrow aisle (operator up) course. For experienced operators, safety refresher and conversion courses the list would be shorter.

  • Course induction
  • The need and reasons for training and statutory requirements (HASAWA 1974 etc.)
  • Introduction to equipment/control familiarisation/principles of operation
  • Identification/use/adjustment of attachments in pre-determined positions including forks
  • Recommended mount and dismount
  • Introduction to motive, steering controls and practice
  • Basic steering exercises – simple courses
  • Advanced steering exercises – figure of 8/chicane/90° approaches
  • Battery charging procedures/maintenance
  • Operator safety code and relevant handout
  • Daily pre-use inspections
  • Engineering principles/rated capacity/stability
  • Simple hydraulics (theory)
  • Introduction to hydraulic controls, handling empty pallets low-level
  • Load types/handling and weight assessment
  • Stacking/de-stacking at low, medium and high levels on industrial racking*
  • Stacking/de-stacking at low, medium and high levels bulk stacks*
  • Stacking/de-stacking at low, medium and high levels cup post pallets*
  • Manoeuvring with loads/ramps and inclines/handling awkward loads*
  • Relevant safety film
  • Vehicle loading and unloading (theory)*
  • Vehicle loading and unloading (practical)*
  • Multi-choice theory test
  • Pre-use inspection test
  • Practical skills test

* To be covered where relevant to operation or facilities permit


WHATEVER YOUR LEVEL, WE HAVE YOU COVERED

From in-depth beginners to safety refresher courses

VNA Refresher Training

ITSSAR-Accredited Very Narrow Aisle Truck Training

All courses are ITSSAR-accredited and recognised throughout the industry.

Novice Operator Forklift Training
Novice Level Training

Trainees with little or no previous experience operating the relevant truck.

Experienced Operator Forklift Training
Experienced Level Training

Trainees with relevant, recent experience who have not received any approved training.

Safety Refresher Forklift Training
Safety Refresher Training

Periodic refresher training for experienced operators who hold an accredited certificate.

Conversion Forklift Training
Conversion Training

Training on a truck of a similar level to the one that the operator has already been trained, tested, and certified on.


Delivering the best for your buisiness

Our courses are designed to achieve results

On-Site VNA Truck Courses

Every VNA course we deliver is carried out on our customer’s premises. This approach gives trainees the advantage of being trained and tested on a machine familiar to them, eliminating the need for re-learning on a different truck after the initial training. Upon completing this operator-up very narrow aisle course, operators will know how to use these machines safely and efficiently.

We are pleased to offer bespoke training programmes tailored to your business requirements. We will always work around your needs and environment to minimise disruption.

On-Site Forklift Courses
Facilities Required

Facilities Required

Firstly, and most importantly, we will need access to your very narrow aisle lift truck to conduct your training. Additionally, we require an undisturbed area with ample space for basic manoeuvres and testing. Pallets and realistic loads appropriate to your business are useful; the instructor will provide traffic cones. For the theory lessons, sufficient space is needed for the instructor and trainees to work. A small office with a table, chairs, and power will suffice.

All forklift operators must wear safety boots and other personal protective equipment per the company's internal risk assessments. We supply high-visibility vests.

If you have any questions or concerns about the above requirements, contact us to discuss them.

VNA Licence Certificates

After completing this very narrow aisle training, drivers are fully licensed to operate in this category. The qualification is nationally recognised and accepted throughout the industry.

Participants will also receive the following:

  • An A4 ITSSAR-approved VNA certificate of basic training*
  • A plastic photo identification card*
  • A written assessment of strengths and weaknesses*

Additionally, operators are entered or edited onto ITSSAR’s TOPS (Trained Operator Passport Scheme) database for future reference.

\*There is no additional charge for these.

Forklift Licence Certificate
Aftercare from the best in the business!

Five-Star Aftercare

Our service doesn't end with your training. At South Coast Forklift Training, we pride ourselves on our exceptional aftercare. This sets us apart from the competition and is one of the many reasons our clients return to us. We're always here to answer any questions and offer advice.

Additionally, after completing our training courses, clients receive:

  • Warning when refresher training is due
  • All relevant Health and Safety documentation
  • Refuelling/recharging poster
  • Seven-day pre-use inspection checklist
  • Authorisation to operate lift trucks form
  • Employer's training record form

APPROVED FORKLIFT LICENCES AND CERTIFICATES


Other Accredited Training Courses

HLOP Training

The high-level order picker is an electric-powered lifting and moving truck. The operator stands on a platform positioned in the centre or back. These machines are designed for efficient order picking at height, often at 15 metres.

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Telehandler Training

Rough terrain telescopic trucks are indispensable on construction sites and farms. Equipped with large tyres and high ground clearance, they excel in difficult terrains. Many models also feature stabilising legs for enhanced stability and safe operations.

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PPT (Rider) Training

The rider version of the powered pallet truck is an electric, low-level lifting and moving vehicle. This manoeuvrable machine is perfect for all light-duty applications, including horizontal transport and loading and unloading vehicles.

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Professional Courses Our Customers Love

We look forward to working with you

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Professional Instruction

ITSSAR-accredited courses

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Cost Effective

Premium service for less

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Fully Insured

Public liability & indemnity

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Easy Booking

Simple application process


No wonder our clients keep coming back

Feedback from our trainees

Black Quotation Marks

"Very informative and varied. Covered all aspects of the course."

PJ, West End, Southampton, Hampshire

Black Quotation Marks

"Well presented. Took time to explain and was happy we understood."

ML, Portsmouth, Hampshire

Black Quotation Marks

"Friendly and professional. Instructor was supportive and made it fun."

CD, Havant, Hampshire

How many forklift categories are there?

There are over 40 industrial fork truck groups. To use any of the trucks in these groups an operator must be trained, tested and authorised (by their employer).